The Manager Enzo Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as The 'Toughest Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's win against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian made a puzzling statement in his post-match media briefing despite notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to four outings.

But, when asked about the full-back's assist and general display, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his annoyance over the preceding two days at the club.

"The way the squad want to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with so many problems, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because many people withheld support from us."

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary problems, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season minus our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the commitment from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's win over Everton strengthened their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match news conference where he seemed at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an issue related to the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.